Good-bye, Curtis [Library Binding]

Kevin Henkes (Author), Marisabina Russo (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Curtis has been delivering mail for forty-two years. Today is his last day. And all the mailboxes along his route are filled with surprises.

There is a drawing from Debbie, Dennis, and Donny. There is a bottle of aftershave from the Johnsons. There is a small, fat book from Mr. Porter.

But the real surprise is at the very last house on the very last street. There is no doubt that everyone loves Curtis!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K?An unexciting premise?the mailman's last day before retirement?is the basis of this cheerful story and lively illustrations. On his last round, Curtis, beloved by all of his patrons, from babies to grandparents, finds little gifts in their mailboxes and is greeted by an affectionate throng at the very last house, where a party is being given in his honor. In his 42 years of carrying letters, the man has seen many changes in the neighborhood, which become the most interesting part of the story. The text is simple, pleasantly repetitive, rhythmic, and reads aloud well. The gouache pictures, done in pure, bright colors, are flat, cartoonlike, humorous, and winning, as they show the variety of residents, pets, dwellings, and businesses of Curtis's postal domain.?Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 3^-5. After 42 years delivering the mail to neighborhood shops and houses, Curtis is retiring. This agreeable picture book follows the beloved mailman's route on his last day, when young and old give him hugs and handshakes, little presents and best wishes. At the last house, Curtis' family and friends surprise him with a party in his honor. The next day he writes thank-you notes . . . "and he knows all the addresses by heart." Henkes' simple text sets a tone that's just right for preschoolers: straightforward and affectionate without a hint of sentimentality. In the same spirit, Russo's paintings illuminate the story through small details and gestures painted in a simplified style. One interesting spread depicts the changes that Curtis has seen in his neighborhood over the years. Teachers looking for picture books about "community helpers" will find this a good choice for reading aloud. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Library Binding: 24 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (September 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688128289
• ISBN-13: 978-0688128289
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,690,896 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kevin Henkes is the creator of many distinguished books for children, including Kitten's First Full Moon (winner of the Caldecott Medal), Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, and Chrysanthemum. His novels for young people include Olive's Ocean (a Newbery Honor Book) and Bird Lake Moon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaing, Amusing, & Simple Story, September 18, 2000

By 

Paul Martin (Waukesha, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Good-bye, Curtis (Hardcover)

Fine for 4-8 yrs. Curtis, the local letter carrier, is retiring today, and we readers get to witness the last day on the job--complete with goodbyes, well wishing, and "We'll miss you Curtis"--with a brief retrospective look at Curtis' career thrown in.

It's a neat story because it will get children listners, and adult readers discussing it during various points, as these are changes that children will witness for themselves one day. Good illustrations and a relatively quick read.